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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Three For Three: MLSR Predictions

The playoff races continue to heat up as the remaining games slip away. D.C. United need to recover from the severe thrashing they received at the hands of the Impact, but the second place Red Bulls should prove quite the challenge. The Galaxy are back to their winning ways as the struggling Whitecaps come limping into the Home Depot Center. Last but not least, FC Dallas’ playoff dreams need a shot in the arm, but Seattle’s high-flying offense plans on providing a different kind of “shot”.

D.C. United (12-9-4) vs. New York Red Bulls (13-7-6)

William Schulz: D.C. need to start picking up some points to keep Montreal at bay, but New York certainly won’t make it easy. The biggest thing in United’s favor is New York’s struggles on the road this season. My head says draw, but my gut says D.C. win this one. DCU 2-1 NYRB

Luke Lohr: There is little doubt who the hotter team is here, but does DC United step up with their backs against the wall? Kevin Payne and DCU management have consistently said the schedule has kept them from performing, but that’s Major League Soccer in a nutshell. New York didn’t just lose three-nil to an expansion side, rather they tied arguably the best team in the east without getting a shot on goal. Expect DeRo to lead United into battle but ultimately fall short. DCU 1-2 NYRB

Leanne Elston: As much as I want to believe that DC United will win this, I'm not sure I see it happening. However, although DC put in a poor performance against Montreal, I don't think the game on Wednesday will be at all as one-sided. The other two meetings between these sides were exciting, and I think we can expect the same once more. I see goals happening for both teams, and a draw to settle the rivalry for now. DCU 2-2 NYRB Pedro Gomes: Both teams are coming off of disappointing results on the road. Although New York did manage a draw against Kansas City, it wasn't at all how they would have liked it to happen. DC on the other hand got manhandled by Montreal on the road and will definitely be looking to put that game behind them when they get back home. I am going with history here on this one and going to say that both teams will bounce back and put on a good show, but in the end neither will do enough to win and another draw on the road is what New York will settle on once again. Although a draw with a positive performance might actually be a good thing for DC at this point if they want to turn their luck around. DCU 2-2 NYRB

Los Angeles Galaxy (12-11-4) vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (10-10-7)

William Schulz: Earlier this season, the Whitecaps impressed me but lately they’ve been in a bit of a slump. Unfortunately, I don’t see that slump coming to an end this week against the Galaxy. I expect LA to take care of business at home and send the ‘Caps packing. LA 3-0 VAN

Luke Lohr: The Vancouver Whitecaps are a conundrum that continuously have Pedro and I talking about them during “Off The Bench” nearly every episode. They win big games, lose silly ones. This match is huge not only because it’s two league powers, but it also makes for a potential six point swing in the west. Right now, LA has got their ducks in a row and are making a serious push at the right time. LA 2-1 VAN

Leanne Elston: I can't see Vancouver winning this, and I expect the Galaxy to relatively easily take care of business at home. The Whitecaps would certainly love to earn at least a point on the road in this one to stay on LA's tail in the standings, but the result is going to go the Galaxy's way. They're clicking right now, and Vancouver isn't. I'm saying LA grab the clean sheet and the three points. LA 2-0 VAN

Pedro Gomes: I see LA easily taking care of Vancouver at home. Vancouver will be missing their move dynamic player, Darren Mattocks, and without him their offense looks old and tired. It will be yet another good showing by LA who will harass and expose the slow and lethargic defense of Vancouver continuously on the night. Vancouver will have to make some serious changes if they hope to even make the playoffs after this match. LA 3-1 VAN

FC Dallas (8-12-8) vs. Seattle Sounders FC (12-6-7)

William Schulz: Dallas suffered a defeat last week, and Seattle brushed Chivas aside with ease. I think Dallas will look better this time out, but I don’t think they have what it takes to keep Seattle on-fire offense in check. That said, Seattle did concede two goals to Chivas (yikes) so I think Dallas can grab a couple of goals themselves. FCD 2-3 SEA

Luke Lohr: No way FC Dallas wins this one. Healthy Brek Shea, Fabian Castillo (maybe) and that other guy (Ferreira) could certainly make the game interesting, but with Seattle’s attack firing on all cylinders there’s no way they take three points. At best, Dallas gets a tie, but in all likelihood we see Seattle win this one convincingly. FCD 1- 3 SEA

Leanne Elston: It's hard to think that Seattle wouldn't win this game; they are on fire right now, and while Dallas have improved a lot over the past few weeks, I don't think they're strong enough to take down the Sounders. I definitely think Dallas will put one past Seattle, but not much else beyond that. Seattle will win this one pretty convincingly. FCD 3-1 SEA

Pedro Gomes: I see this match being yet another high scoring affair in MLS. Seattle's offense is firing on all cylinders and they have too many attacking options to be held in check by any team lately. However, as impressive as their offense is their defense is just as unimpressive at times. They gave up two goals to Chivas last weekend; a team that struggles to even score 1 goal on a consistent basis. I see Dallas wingers, Brek Shea and Fabian Castillo (if healthy) to cause a lot of problem for the Sounders and if Perez can get back into form quickly his big frame and aerial ability will be a serious threat to Seattle. FCD 2-3 SEA